The songs I’ve been listening to during this season of life.

I call this post “Summer Songs” slightly tongue-in-cheek because whenever I refer to “Summer Songs” with my kiddos I am referring to Bob Marley and Surfaces. Those guys are the sound of summer, let me tell you.

Music for me has always marked an era, a time of life associated with a certain album or two. Play a tune and I’m reverted back to whatever decade and whatever I was doing those days.

Well, I’m not actually looking too far back right now (although I should! Another day, another post) but I am jotting down what I’ve been enjoying on repeat one this summer. And has continued on into the fall.

_{Just my little man borrowing my airpods in 2020.}

• All Will Be Well by Tenth Avenue North

When this short album came out, I became hooked to this song and played it on repeat one day. It’s such a deep message and speaks to my spirit every time I hear it. I even wrote a whole post about it because the words deeply spoke to my heart.

• Nothing New (I Do) by Brandon Lake

This is actually what my daughter calls “her song.” She’s been asking for it regularly—to play in the car or as she’s falling asleep. At first, she referred to it as the “I love you song” and it took me a little bit to figure out what she was asking for. But I’m so thankful I did!

I’m actually listening to it right now actually as I wait for my princess to enter dreamland. It’s such a sweet song that pulls my heartstrings and challenges me to love my little family with my all. To love with patience, preference for the other, and better than I did just yesterday.

What struck me the other day—since it surprised me that home girl became so attached to this song—is that when she was just a tiny little nugget home from the hospital, I used to play Brandon Lake’s Almond Eyes album all day long. And I wonder if that’s why she became connected to it. Just a thought …

Music is pretty incredible.

• Praise (Song Session) by Seph Schlueter & Essential Worship

Lately, the best time for me to crank up the tunes is while I’m driving. I don’t go many places, but the main commutes are to and from work and school. And what do we often face on the roads first thing in the morning? And after pick-up?

Traffic.

Yussss. All the cars. All the drivers. All the brake lights and sporadic accelerating.

Schlueter’s “Praise” will flush all the road rage out of you, and you’ll be lifting your hands (preferably hand) up as you cruise along. No one can get you down when you’re praising the Lord.

“Cause my praise is a weapon

It’s more than a sound

Oh, my praise is a shout that brings Jericho down

Oh, as long as I’m breathing, I got reason to praise the Lord, oh my soul

I won’t be quiet, my God is alive

How can I keep it inside?”

• Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham

I often need to be reminded that the battle belongs to the Lord. The world is ca-razy but God is in control. In fact, He has already won!

“So when I fight, I’ll fight on my knees

with my hands lifted high

Oh God, the battle belongs to You

and every fear I lay at your feet

I’ll sing though the night

Oh God the battle belongs to You.”

And what a beautiful reminder that indeed

“You win every battle. Nothing can stand against the power of our God!”

Literally nothing.

• Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham

When I first encountered this song a little while back, I was struck with these words:

“So let it be today

We shout the hymn of Heaven

With angels and the Saints

We raise a mighty roar

Glory to our God

Who gave us life beyond the grave

Holy holy is the Lord”

What an amazing God we serve–the One Who has given us life after death. We absolutely have so much to live for. We believe this, yes? But we cannot comprehend the extent of how incredible this is. Not until we’re there. And I can imagine, even then.

• Counting My Blessings by Seph Schlueter

This song is just so good. I want to make a reel about my little family with this song in the background. But I am still waiting for inspiration to strike just right. The blessings I have in this life list out into infinity. That’s for sure.

• Not One Falls by Heather Sorenson

I heard this song sung at church just this past Sunday and I practically wept. I was sitting in our church’s little family room holding my daughter who wasn’t feeling particularly well that day.

And these words (and more) …

“Not one voice is silent… not one act of violence … that heaven does not know…”

just speak to my mama heart. I love my babies so much and I don’t want anything to happen to them. Ever. So being reminded time and again that God loves them even more and better than I do puts my heart at ease.

But I need to be reminded again and again.

Music is amazing.

And I am so thankful God created it.

Some insightful sources:

• The Amazing Power of Music in Our Lives | Psychology Today
• Why Is Music Important? (32 Reasons + Expert Insights)
• Benefits of Music on Body, Mind, Relationships & More
• The Surprising Psychological Benefits of Listening to Music

Happy listening!

What songs have you been listening to recently?